Bead Girl is so close!

I love that bead girl is almost done.  Her benefactor is coming to see her on Saturday and she is pinned and ready to be examined.  I can't wait to see what she thinks!

Bead Girl goes on Vacation

This summer bead girl has been gently packed away with me everytime I have gone on vacation (camping).  As the girls would play in the sand at the beach or chase butterflies by the river I would add little bits and pieces to bead girl's dress.  She is coming together and I am falling in love with her more and more. Viva la Bead Girl!

Almost all the chakra colors have been added, two more to go.

Bead Girl is progressing...

Look how beautiful our bead girl is progressing!  She has 3 of the 8 chakra bead vines started and she is looking great.  The shoulder has a beautiful flower garden and the rest is coming along....so excited!

Bead Woman Gets her first fitting!

Our little beaded Diva is getting her first fitting!  She will have a beautiful bouquet of flowers on her shoulder with vines leading down to flowers of each Chakra color.  Bead embroidery is one of my favorite sports so I am so excited to get started....

March Musings

 

CLOAK AND DAGGER BRACELET -- FREE CLASS EVERY SATURDAY IN MARCH

For me the months of February and March seem to be the months that I spend a lot of time reflecting on the past year and examining my hopes for the months to come.  Business has been a little quiet at Beadles for the last couple of months but after 10 years of running a bead store I have come to expect the quiet time.  We have been weathering the economic whirlwind with a wait and see attitude and have been excited to see so many people attending our free classes every Saturday from 12 - 2.  This month's free class is the "Cloak and Dagger" Bracelet and I think it is cuter than a new puppy.  To all off you biting your nails and watching the sky for the sun to peek out -- hold tough, it's coming, and the wait will have been worth it. Cheers -- Jenika

Our girl is taking shape!

  Oh she is looking so beautiful!  The water theme section of the skirt is about 2/3 done.  How I love precious gems and beads!

New Project Phase

Under the Sea

   In case I haven't mentioned the theme of the project, I am aiming at a very abstract representation of the 4 spiritual concepts of earth, wind, water and fire.  The earth portion of the dress is complete and has a subtle yet beautiful tree built into the design.  The tree features blossoms of purple and rose along with a few beautiful Tiger's Eye leaves and sassy mother of pearl bird.

  The photo above is the raw design for the water portion of the design.  There are sea anemones made of Watermelon Tourmaline, fish schools of Carnelian and a sneaky jelly fish comprised of a wonderful lampwork bead and 3 pieces of onyx.  When the water portion of the skirt is complete the design disappears into the bunches and folds of the bead strands but it is fun to know it is there, even if hidden.

More Strands added!

  I've added a few more strands to Jan's project, and I wish that the pictures did it justice.  It is looking absolutely stunning and I am getting more and more excited about it.  I am looking forward to seeing how the back of the skirt looks through the front of the project.  I think it will fill it in more.  Hopefully I will have a few more strands to post tomorrow.

Tentative Steps

Today, I put the final touches on a the first two strands of the bead skirt.  I am feeling very spoiled to work with such beautiful stone and I find myself losing track of time as I work. Unfortunately my kids have a quick way to pull me back to reality in just a few words..."what's for dinner???"

The beginning of project: Jan

 Jan's Glorious Stash of Beads!

A couple of months ago I was commissioned to created a beaded piece of artwork for a friend and customer, Jan.  I have been a bit trepidatious as this is a big project and I know how much all the beads and pieces mean to Jan so I have been hesitant to start, but today is the day.  So I cleaned my bead desk, bribed my husband to put up a couple of shelves to dedicate to the project, and am ready to go.  Wish me luck!